Council Highlights - May 25, 2026

May 25, 2026

Bruce C Project – Capacity Funding Agreement and 2026-2027 Workplan

Council received a report. The Town of Saugeen Shores and Bruce Power L.P. have negotiated a Capacity Funding Agreement (Regional Infrastructure & Community Readiness Assessment – Bruce C Project) effective May 1, 2026, to support the Town’s undertaking of regional infrastructure and community readiness assessment activities. The authorizing By-law is included in the By-laws section of the Council agenda. 

This was carried.

Moore Bridge EA Recommendations Deferred Report

This report was deferred to a meeting in June 2026.

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes, received a report and gave direction to staff regarding a potential land acquisition - 228 Palmerston Street. 

2026 Q1 Variance to Budget

Council received the Variance to Budget report provides Council with a forecast of the financial operating results for the Town as of March 2026. The actual net income through the first quarter of the year is $7.1 million and is $0.1 million lower than budget.

This was carried. 

Landfill Optimization Information Report

Council received a report addressing the diminishing capacity at the Town’s existing Southampton Landfill Site, an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed optimization of the site was initiated in April 2024 following confirmation of the feasibility of landfill expansion. The initial stage of the project was to create the Terms of Reference (ToR). The Terms of Reference were accepted by the MECP on February 25, 2026, moving the project to the full EA.

This was carried. 

2025 Southampton Landfill Annual Monitoring Report

Council received the Landfill Monitoring Report which is prepared annually by GEI Consultants Canada Ltd. (GEI). The report summarizes annual landfill monitoring and highlights the waste diversion activities that are currently in place. Based on the average fill rate over the last five years, the remaining site life remains to be approximately five to seven years. The Town is in the process of carrying out an Environmental Assessment (EA) for its landfill optimization expansion.

This was carried. 

Recycle Battery Program

Council received the Recycle Battery Program report. Fire Services and Operations staff worked on revamping the way the Town runs its recycling battery program. The new measures being proposed will see all batteries collected at Southampton Landfill during regular business hours. Justifications for the changes included a focus on health and safety, fire safety, and theft. The new program will ensure that Saugeen Shores offers a safe used battery solution with a minor revenue stream for its residents.

This was carried. 

Naming Rights, Sponsorship and Advertising Policy and Donation Policy

Council received a report about Naming Rights, Sponsorship and Advertising Policy and Donation policies to establish a clear, consistent, transparent, and legally compliant framework for the acceptance and management of donations, sponsorships, naming rights, and advertising involving Town-owned assets, programs, services, and events.

This was carried. 

Update on Wilson Developments Housing Project

On April 13, 2026 Council passed a resolution declaring Town-owned land, as described herein, surplus. On April 21, 2026 Public Notice of Council’s intent to sell the land to 5053745 Ontario Inc., o/a Wilsons Development was provided. In accordance with the Town’s Sale and Other Disposition of Lands Policy, Council is required to adopt a by-law to confirm the lands as surplus to the municipality’s needs and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with 5053745 Ontario Inc. 

This was carried. 

15 Fenton Drive Encroachment Agreement

An encroachment agreement was recommended to allow an existing retaining wall to be replaced. The wall fronts onto North Shore Road and has encroached onto the shore road allowance for close to 70 years. 

This was carried. 

Barry’s Construction Easement Agreement for Road Access and Servicing

Barry’s Construction and Insulation Ltd. is requested an easement and right-of-way for access and servicing over the Town’s land, in accordance with an Agreement dated March 10, 2025. To facilitate the easement, it was necessary to dedicate Block 122, Plan 3M-246 for highway purposes and remove the reserve for Block 122. 

This was carried. 

Communications

The following was received for information:

1. Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit Financial Statements December 31, 2025
2. Saugeen Conservation Authority - Minister’s Direction on Conservation Authorities – Immediate Implications
3. Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks - Section 1.14 of the Conservation Authorities Act
4. Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands - Chip and Tar Support Resolution
5. Regional Municipality of Waterloo - Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Support Resolution
6. Township of Springwater - Provincial Bill 100  Better Regional Governance Act 2026 Support Resolution
7. City of Peterborough - Guaranteed Basic Income Support Resolution

The following was supported by Council:

1. Regional Municipality of Waterloo - Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Support Resolution
2. Township of Springwater - Provincial Bill 100  Better Regional Governance Act 2026 Support Resolution